Volvo XC90 Review

Volvo XC90 T6

Rivals

• BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery 3, Lexus RX300, Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg

What We Liked

• The overall package, including the 7 seats
• Geartronic transmission
• Performance, ride and handling
• Safety
• The navigation and hi-fi packs

What We Disliked

• Fuel economy

What We'd Like To See

• 6 Speed Geartronic Gearbox

Build Quality

You often hear the statement 'Volvos are built like tanks', we would hope not, we wouldn’t want a car built like a tank. However, Volvo are renowned for their safety and build quality and they have certainly excelled with the XC90. The materials used are of a high quality and in keeping the price tag. We very much doubt that you would spend much time at your local dealership. The warranty covers you for three years or 60,000 miles, which ever comes first.

Value For Money

The XC90 is certainly not cheap but when compared to its rivals, it sits comfortably with its peers. The option packs are expensive but certainly worth it. Currently re-sale values are holding very well, on going to press the cheapest UK car we could find via Autotrader was £27,500 for a T6 SE with 37,000 miles. In 2003 the car would have cost £36,198 new and forgetting the limited extras that the car is fitted with; this XC90 has lost just over £4,349 a year - we consider that relatively cheap for premium 4x4 motoring.

Overall Opinion

Rarely do we drive a car that makes us want to part with our own money, but the XC90 is an exception. We really enjoyed our time with the car and one of our team is seriously considering purchasing one.

Undoubtedly, the Land Rover Discovery 3 is a fine machine and no doubt, it is better off road. The BMW X5 handles better, but is far too common for my liking. What we like about the XC90 is the fact that it is a Volvo and it offers superb performance combined with class leading safety and can comfortably accommodate seven adults.

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